Age: 26
Hometown: Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
When did you begin cycling and why? I used to race motocross when I was about 5-yrs-old, until 10. My parents bought a bike shop, and they got busy with that so I couldn’t get driven to motocross any more. I did some stunt jumps over cars and stuff, on a YZ80, then decided to start riding bikes. Did a bit of cross-country then discovered downhill when I was around 15 or so.
Who influenced you and how? I guess my parents alot in the early days, plus reading magazines from overseas and reading all about Nico Vouilloz and Steve Peat.
Have you suffered any serious injuries cycling? Probably 2007 was the worst. During the World Championships, I broke my scapula and had an anterior dislocation of the same shoulder. I’ve also had a concussion, and a broken collarbone, but I tend not to dwell on this stuff.
What other sports did you compete in and when? Apart from motocross when I was a little kid, I’ve mainly done other sports just for fun, like surfing and golf. I still race motocross but not in a serious way, just for training.
What are your strongest qualities as a racer? Consistency. Strength. Determination.
What are your current and future goals in life? To do as much as I can in my chosen sport and to be surrounded by family and friends with good health.
What are you doing to achieve these goals? Sticking to a training plan, and taking care of my body.
Describe your greatest cycling achievement to date: World Downhill Champion 2003
Describe your worst race or cycling experience: The Worlds in 2007. I knew I’d done all that was needed to win that race, the preparation, the training, and equipment. All I needed to do was get down without an error. One small error cost me the lead and ending up breaking and dislocating my shoulder, on a track, and in circumstances, where I knew I was capable of winning.